Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips in the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.

You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This method can also be a good method to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that is often time snagging around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith laser cut keys near me or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many options to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work when you're within a certain distance.

If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make a new key with the standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their vehicles. keys cutting near me made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.